“Passion hasn’t been seen in Washington for over 15 years,” said Signature Theatre Artistic Director Eric Schaeffer in an earlier statement. “There’s no better way to start our 29th season than with this glorious musical and this wonderful creative team and company.”

“I can’t think of a greater gift than to bring Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine’s Passion to the stage,” added director Gardiner. “To dig deep into a piece of theater I’ve long admired, with actors like Natascia Diaz, Claybourne Elder and Steffanie Leigh, a remarkable design team and the full orchestration led by Jon Kalbfleisch, it is an embarrassment of riches.”

Set in 1860s Italy, Passion ignites a fiery love triangle when Giorgio, a handsome army captain, is transferred to a remote military outpost and into the blinding infatuation of Fosca, the ailing cousin of his superior.

The production also has musical direction by Jon Kalbfleisch, scenic design by Lee Savage, lighting design by Colin K. Bills, costume design by Robert Perdziola, sound design by Ryan Hickey, and wig design by Anne Nesmith. The production stage manager is Kerry Epstein, the assistant stage manager is Taryn Friend, and the production assistant is Joey Blakely.